Ringing in the ears - Is tinnitus a sign of hearing loss?
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Taking on tinnitus

Ringing, buzzing, whistling - where in the world is it coming from? When you’re the only one hearing certain sounds, it can be frustrating. But with over 50 million Americans experiencing some form of tinnitus, you’re definitely not alone. With the help of innovative, proven methods, it’s time to tackle tinnitus and take back your quality of life.
Understanding tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

While often described as a ringing in the ear, tinnitus can take many forms - from buzzing, humming or clicking to a hissing or whistling.

Causes of tinnitus

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus. Exposure to loud noise for extended periods of time can damage the hair cells of the inner ear, leading to reduced hearing (cue the slideshow of headbanging rockstars running through your mind). Regardless of where the noise exposure and resulting damage came from, tinnitus is your brain's adaptive reaction of "making up for" the noises it's no longer getting from the outside world. In short: your brain is creating noise to fill the silence.

Other causes of tinnitus include:
  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Ear disorders
  • Blockage of the ear (such as earwax buildup)
  • Other medical conditions (such as cardiovascular or autoimmune disorders)
  • Damage to the middle and inner ear
  • Ear infections
  • Some prescription and non-prescription drugs

What are the types of tinnitus?

There are two main types of tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus, the most common type, can only be heard by you. In rare cases, about 1%, an outside observer (like a doctor with a stethoscope) can hear the sound, which can be produced by your body's circulatory and semiotic systems. This is objective tinnitus and is usually linked to other vascular disorders.

Tinnitus risk factors

It may not be possible to completely remove the risk of developing tinnitus, but there are certain triggers that contribute to the development or worsening of tinnitus.
  • Loud noises:
    Reducing exposure to or protecting your ears from loud noise can prevent damage to your hearing.
  • Smoking and drinking:
    Both can increase your risk of developing tinnitus and can worsen symptoms.
  • Caffeine and certain foods:
    Both have been linked to worsening symptoms in some individuals. 
  • Lifestyle:
    Stress, fatigue and unhealthy lifestyle habits can all trigger or increase tinnitus symptoms.
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Tinnitus test

Testing for Tinnitus

There is no specific test for tinnitus, but a physical exam and hearing screening can help rule out or get to the bottom of your tinnitus source. Learning about your symptoms, triggers, and medical history can help you and your Hearing Care Professionals determine the right path forward.
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Managing tinnitus

Is there a cure for tinnitus?

While research is being done to understand and better treat tinnitus, there is currently no cure. If you are experiencing the rare form of objective tinnitus, treating the underlying medical conditions may lead to reduction of or complete recovery from tinnitus symptoms.

Tinnitus relief therapy (TRT)

With this therapy, the goal is to learn to "ignore" the tinnitus you are experiencing. A combination of directive counseling and sound marking (sound generated to mask other unwanted sounds) can help train the brain to notice tinnitus less. This can reduce stress, anxiety and other psychological effects of tinnitus. Lasting between 12 to 24 months, TRT has seen high levels of success.
Prevention & treatment

Can you prevent tinnitus?

Although some causes of tinnitus may not be preventable, there are ways to reduce risks of developing tinnitus symptoms or, if you're living with tinnitus, to prevent it from worsening.
  • Use ear protection
  • Turn down the volume
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine

Healthy habits:

Exercise and practice relaxation. Both can reduce your stress levels and boost your overall well-being, all of which can reduce tinnitus symptoms.

Ambient noise and music:

Background noise and music at a lower volume can help to mask tinnitus, making it less noticeable.

Watch your diet

Some foods or drinks may worsen tinnitus symptoms. Keep an eye on what you eat and track changes in your symptoms.

Hearing aids

Improving your hearing health and increasing the sound your ears perceive can provide a balance, masking the sound of your tinnitus and reducing its noticeability.

Explore your options on how to deal with tinnitus.

Tinnitus relief options

Leaving tinnitus untreated

If your tinnitus is mild or intermittent, you may be able to live just fine with the occasional symptoms. However, if your tinnitus is constant and you are finding it hard to concentrate and relax in your everyday life, untreated tinnitus can be dangerous. Constant focus on your tinnitus can lead to fatigue, anxiety, depression and isolation from your social groups. Finding ways to manage and lessen the noticeability of your tinnitus can greatly increase your quality of life.

Tinnitus & hearing loss: FAQ

Will hearing loss from tinnitus go away?

Does tinnitus or hearing loss mean your brain is in trouble?

What type of hearing loss is tinnitus?

What happens if tinnitus goes untreated?

Does ear ringing mean permanent damage?

Improving hearing health together

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Getting help for your hearing loss

Hearing loss not only affects how you hear, but how well your brain is able to function. From protecting your physical and mental well-being to improving your career outlooks, your hearing plays an essential role in it all. With HearUSA by your side, you’ll have all the tools you need to stop the effects of hearing loss and start hearing better today.
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Hearing aids and tinnitus relief

Advancements in hearing care have been nothing short of amazing, and that includes innovations in tinnitus care, too.
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Sound choices: Types of hearing aids.

First-time dip into hearing aids? Step one is knowing that there are smart options. With a wide array of styles, sizes, features and more, your hearing aids will be music to your ears.

Talk to an expert in one of our hearing centers.

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